The Diary · Theme
Religion and Sectarian Conflict
How The Diary develops Religion and Sectarian Conflict.
The diary records tensions between Anglicans, Presbyterians, Anabaptists, and Catholics, including debates over the Book of Common Prayer, the King's religious policies, and the lingering effects of Puritan rule.
Where it surfaces
- October 1660
Pepys attends church services, criticizes the preaching, and notes Lord Sandwich's scepticism and the meeting of Episcopalian and Presbyterian divines.
- November 1660
Mr. Mills begins using Common Prayer in church, causing confusion among parishioners; the King's declaration gives Presbyterians a pretext to read it.
- February 1662–63
Parliament debates whether Presbyterians will accept liberty for Papists; a priest is arrested for officiating in Holborn.
- November 1663
Mr. Blackburne argues for liberty of conscience and criticizes the pride of the present clergy, noting the contrast with former Parliamentarian soldiers.
- February 1665–66
Pepys notes a Jewish messianic prophecy and the expectation that 1666 would be a year of great action, referencing a book about the mark of the beast.